narrowing
Becoming more confined
Narrowing is the process of becoming or making narrower—reducing in width, scope, or range.
A river narrowing forces boats closer together.
A narrowing of the arteries restricts blood flow.
In abstract contexts, a narrowing of options or possibilities means fewer remain: The field is narrowing as candidates drop out.
The narrowing gap between two competitors suggests they're getting closer.
Firm bilateral compression
- compressReduce volume by force
- constrictTo squeeze tightly
- tightenMake more secure
- pinchSqueeze with fingertips
contract · shrink · choke · stricture · cinch · clamp · tourniquet · drawstring
Sustained single-minded attention
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- specificityExactness of detail
- selectivityTendency to choose carefully
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
clarity · sharpness · honing · zeroing in · targeting · prioritization · refinement · distillation
Bound on extent
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
- restrictionLimit on action
- boundaryLine marking a limit
- thresholdPoint of beginning
cap · ceiling · barrier · curtailment · containment · prohibition · quota · inhibition
Productive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- simplificationMaking something less complex
- sleeknessSmooth, lustrous quality
- eleganceRefined, graceful quality
aerodynamics · hydrodynamics · consolidation · minimization · reduction · trimming · paring · refinement
Recessed wall space
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- specializationConcentrated expertise in one field
- tailoringCustom clothing adjustment
- customizationModification to individual preference
refinement · proficiency · deepening · mastering · craftsmanship · discipline · vocation · qualification
squeeze
Firm bilateral compression
pinch · contract · shrink · choke · stricture · cinch · clamp · tourniquet · drawstring · lace
concentration
Sustained single-minded attention
- attentionFocused mental awareness
- specificityExactness of detail
- selectivityTendency to choose carefully
precision · clarity · sharpness · honing · zeroing in · targeting · prioritization · refinement · distillation · depth
limitation
Bound on extent
- constraintLimiting condition or rule
- restrictionLimit on action
- boundaryLine marking a limit
threshold · cap · ceiling · barrier · curtailment · containment · prohibition · quota · inhibition · hindrance
efficiency
Productive without waste
- optimizationMaximizing efficiency or performance
- simplificationMaking something less complex
- sleeknessSmooth, lustrous quality
elegance · aerodynamics · hydrodynamics · consolidation · minimization · reduction · trimming · paring · refinement · improvement
niche
Recessed wall space
- expertiseSkill from extensive practice
- specializationConcentrated expertise in one field
- tailoringCustom clothing adjustment
customization · refinement · proficiency · deepening · mastering · craftsmanship · discipline · vocation · qualification · concentration
- making smallershrinking, compressing, reducing, squeezing, compacting
- blockagesblockage, dam, clog, congestion, drain clog
- decreasesreduction, decline, drop, fall, decrease
- deformingbending, twisting, warping, curving, folding
- eye movementsgaze, blink, stare, glance, squint
- Reduceshrink, diminish, decrease, lessen, reduce
narrowingwidening
Increasing in extent
broadening · expanding · opening · enlarging · dilating
narrowingbroadening
Increasing in extent
widening · expanding · extending · enlarging · generalizing